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Gutknecht: This is not goodbye
Jackie

I’ve started writing this column multiple times this week, but nothing ever seemed right. Now, it is 20 minutes before our deadline and I am left with a blank Word document looking back at me. 

How do I start this?

Over the last three years, I have grown more as a journalist and person than I ever thought possible and that is all thanks to the readers of The Covington News. Without your continued support and critiques, I would not be where I am today. Thank you for that. 

When I walked into The Covington News office three years ago, I never knew where my story would take me. I never imagined I would end up here.  

That being said, I would not have been able to tell the stories I’ve told without the help of Newton County’s leaders. There is not enough ink in the world to print enough “Thank yous” to those who have helped me along the way. 

As I move on to my next venture at Oxford College of Emory University, I am excited to see how the newspaper continues to grow and change. I am confident that it is in good hands and you will not be disappointed with what you see. Telling the story of Newton County has been my honor and privilege and I am excited to still be in the community to see how things play out. 

The staff of The Covington News is full of heart for this community and its community newspaper. I know they will continue to put in the work to make sure you receive the paper you have come to know and love. Patrick Graham, the owner of The News, has a wealth of knowledge in the newspaper business and you can trust that any product put out under his watch will be a product worth reading. 

I don’t want to formally say “Goodbye” in this column, because I know I will see you all again. As I will continue to work in Newton County, I still plan to be an active member in the community. Whether it is continuing to serve on the nonprofit boards I am active with, or attending community events, you will see me again. 

Thank you for everything, Newton County. 

Jackie Gutknecht is the former editor and publisher of The Covington News. Her last day with the newspaper was Friday, Oct. 25. She can be reached at jackiegutknecht@gmail.com. Twitter: @jackiegutknecht